I hadn’t been to a dentist for a long time, so when I did, I needed a lot of work done. Because I don’t do well at the dentist anyway, I decided to see a sedation dentist so I could get more done during my visits. I ended up having five visits to do it all, including the first exam. The first exam was the worst one because I was pretty nervous and embarrassed about the condition of my teeth and overwhelmed by what needed to be done, not to mention the expense. But the visits after, where they did the work, went great. The dentist and his staff were so good. They joked with me and I laughed during almost all of what I can remember during those visits. It all went so well that I decided to become a regular patient there.
I just went back for my first routine exam and cleaning since all that work and everyone was so different with me from my earlier visits. I almost felt like they were talking about me behind my back. Could I have done something to embarrass myself during sedation and I don’t remember it?
Heather in L.A.
Heather,
It sounds like you had a good experience with the sedation dentist during your work visits, and that is a prime goal of sedation dentistry–to help you be comfortable while you have to get work done that can be uncomfortable to some. Dental environments aren’t always fun for everyone, so when a patient is happy and laughing, that good feeling is easily spread to others in the office. Often the energy and jovial nature of a patient is contagious with the staff members and it sounds like they got to have a good time with you.
On your recent visit, maybe you weren’t as comfortable as you were with the sedation visits and perhaps not as jovial. Those who work in a dental office have seen it all so it’s not likely that they thought you did anything embarrassing at your prior appointments. Most likely the staff was trying to treat you with a professional attitude. Because not everyone is able to laugh and joke at the dentist’s office, dental professionals often follow the lead of their patients on how they should behave.
If you really are still concerned, ask one of the members of the staff on your next visit. Another option would be to try to remember what made you laugh and what you joked about during those visits and bring it up with the dentist. You may elicit a similar response and show the staff that they can joke and have fun with you.
You may be interested in learning more about affordable dentists.
This post is sponsored by Enfield dentist Dr. William Cummiskey at Generations Dental Care.